NafisaCeltic could be heading towards another major managerial decision next summer, with a familiar face from the club’s past emerging as a potential candidate to take charge at Parkhead.
Martin O’Neill remains under pressure following a difficult spell that has included two Old Firm defeats in the space of a week and a painful European night against Benfica.
Although Celtic responded with a 2-0 victory over Motherwell, the result has done little to silence every critic, with questions continuing over the manager’s long-term future.
The 4-1 defeat to Benfica has added further scrutiny, particularly after Celtic found themselves three goals behind at half-time. Defensive mistakes and an inconsistent performance left supporters frustrated, while the improvement after the break was not enough to prevent another disappointing European result.
Now, attention is turning towards what could happen when O’Neill’s current contract expires next summer.
According to Football Insider, Celtic are considering Everton manager David Moyes as a potential future appointment. The report states that the experienced Scot is firmly on the club’s radar, although there is no imminent move or formal succession plan in place.
For Celtic, the attraction is obvious: Moyes knows the club, has extensive managerial experience and could become available at the same time as O’Neill’s expected departure.
Moyes Emerges on Celtic’s Managerial Radar
Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke reports that Celtic are keeping Moyes in mind as they consider their longer-term options.
The Everton manager’s contract is also due to expire next summer, with no new deal on the table as things stand, according to the report. That situation could create an opportunity for Celtic if they decide to pursue a change in the dugout.
Moyes has a personal connection to Parkhead, having played for Celtic during his career. His familiarity with the club, combined with his experience across English football, could make him an attractive candidate if the vacancy becomes available.
However, Celtic are not currently preparing to appoint him, and the report makes clear that nothing is imminent.
The club reportedly hope O’Neill will see out the season before assessing possible candidates. Moyes could be among those considered when that process begins, but there is no guarantee he will leave Everton or that Celtic will ultimately choose him.
That distinction is important as speculation surrounding the manager’s future continues to grow.
‘Outstanding’ Managerial CV Could Appeal to Celtic
O’Rourke discussed Moyes’ potential suitability during Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, highlighting the manager’s connection with Celtic and his record in the dugout.
“It’s a move that’s been talked about for a long time because obviously Moyes has got links with Celtic.
“He played for the club, he knows the club well, and that’s why there are always links with David Moyes and a potential return to Celtic.
“He has got an outstanding managerial CV, he’s managed the likes of Man United, did a very good job at West Ham, and he’s doing a great job at Everton in his second spell there.
“So he would bring great experience to any club if he was to leave Everton, but nothing is certain about his future at the moment.
“There isn’t anything imminent or certain about a potential move to Celtic for David Moyes, but he is certainly on their radar. It remains to be seen which direction they want to go in.”
Moyes’ experience is likely to be a major part of his appeal. He has managed Manchester United, enjoyed success at West Ham and returned to Everton for a second spell, giving him extensive experience of working under pressure at established clubs.
For Celtic, who expect to compete domestically while remaining ambitious in European competition, that background could be valuable.
His previous association with Parkhead also gives the potential link a personal dimension, although any appointment would ultimately depend on the club’s ambitions, the manager’s availability and the direction Celtic decide to take.
O’Neill’s Future Remains Uncertain After Benfica Defeat
The speculation comes amid continued questions about whether O’Neill will remain in charge until his contract expires.
According to Football Insider, former Manchester United coach Mick Brown said on 16 October that Celtic have not ruled out the possibility of O’Neill leaving before the end of his deal.
The manager came under pressure following two Old Firm defeats in the space of a week, with sections of the support expressing their frustration before the international break.
Celtic’s subsequent 2-0 win over Motherwell offered some relief, but the heavy defeat against Benfica brought the scrutiny back into focus.
The report suggests that Celtic would prefer O’Neill to complete the season before evaluating their options. That would give the club time to consider potential successors rather than rushing into a decision while the campaign is still underway.
Nevertheless, the possibility of a summer departure means the managerial question is unlikely to disappear any time soon.
Could Moyes Be the Man to Lead Celtic Forward?
Moyes is an obvious name to watch if Celtic decide to make a change next summer, particularly given the timing of his Everton contract situation and his history with the Scottish club.
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness previously told Football Insider that Moyes would be available to speak to other clubs amid uncertainty over his future on Merseyside.
That does not mean a move to Celtic is agreed, or even that negotiations are underway. It simply means the circumstances could create an opportunity if both sides decide the timing is right.
Celtic still have to determine whether O’Neill will complete his contract, while Moyes must consider his own future at Everton. Until those questions become clearer, the link remains a potential scenario rather than an impending appointment.
For now, the focus remains on Celtic’s performances and their efforts to recover from a difficult European start.
But with next summer approaching as a possible turning point, Moyes’ name is now firmly in the conversation — and Celtic’s eventual decision could shape the club’s direction for years to come.
Nafisa
